Jazz Kissaten Culture

On this trip, I managed to visit 4 Kissaten (modern and traditional). The master of the space sets the vibes. Each with its own unique style.

Jazz sounds different

when being listened to sitting shoulder to shoulder in a 8-seater bar counter, where everyone is immersed in the music and passing the Now Playing album cover around. A simple genuine love of music flows around. Jazz for everyone, not an atas thingy. LOL😆

Talking is not allowed

In some kissanten, talking is not allowed, kids not allowed, etc. The intent is optimal listening conditions. Vibes are such that everyone is there 100% for the music, food and drinks are usually very simple, it's not the focus.

Smooth vibes vs bebop

Some kissanten creates a soothing jazz vibe, no hard-bop. Common to see most customers, book in hand, dozing away in their seat. 🥱

Coltrane Magic

Getting a chance to browse and hold a John Coltrane first press vinyl, which he signed in that tiny Kissaten in 1966, is quite undescribable. Never imagined we would get a chance to hold a bit of jazz history. Extremely generous of the owner to freely share it with all.

Sound systems

Some systems were modern high-end McIntosh, nice powerful sound.

Some system had a bit more character, needs a light punch on the turntable plinth to move the needle stuck in a track.

Some had super impressive stuff that money can't buy, self-built tubes amps, fully DIYed super tweeter cross-overs, etc.

Passion to the nth level

Even the toilet door lock had a solenoid wired to it, so that when you turn the mechanical lock, it triggers a relay that turns on the toilet light. Obviously i was spending time in the toilet tracing his circuits 😅.

And not unusual to find big speaker or tons of album covers in the toilet.